Family Apocynaceae

This is the most common species of milkweed we have here.  It grows well in wetlands, in planted mesic prairies, and on the lower slopes of dry prairies.  The flowers have a wonderful sweet scent, and many insects sip their nectar both during the day and at night.  Monarch caterpillars, Milkweed Tussock caterpillars and other insects eat their leaves and flowers.

7/5/2015

 

7/8/2025

 

7/15/2020

 

8/4/2021  Monarch

 

7/6/2015  Monarch caterpillar

 

6/27/2021  Great Spangled Fritillaries

 

7/15/2020

 

7/8/2013  There’s great variation in flower color – these are the darkest pink I’ve seen.

 

11/2/2009  Dry seed pods

 

9/11/2014  Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillars

 

It’s well worth checking out these flowers at night.  They seem to smell stronger at night, and they attract many insects.

 

7/1/2016  Some of the night insects

 

6/29/2016  More night insects – moths and ants